By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines and Vietnam’s renewal of their memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation sends a signal that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is “strong and solid.”
“As we know, our bilateral relations with our enhanced strategic partnership are very strong, and the renewal today of our MOU on Defense Cooperation sends a signal to the rest of the world for two things: number one, that in ASEAN, we are strong and solid,” he said before his meeting with Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang in Manila Monday afternoon.
Likewise, the DND chief added that the Filipino and Vietnamese people’s struggle for peace, stability and security will be upheld with respect to sovereign rights and territorial integrity of the nations along with its “best tradition and culture.”
“And lastly also, we thank you for the cooperation in times of need of both our countries, and we will discuss later the ways we can enhance our defense partnerships and come to each other’s aid since we are both beset in this part of the world by typhoons,” Teodoro said.
For his part, Phan highlighted the similarities between the two countries, noting that both are agriculture-based nations.
The Vietnamese defense official reiterated the two nations’ strong support to each other in various affairs and fora.
“And we have also supported each other in the multilateral and bilateral forum. So we hope that we will continue to have the support for each other in multilateral affairs and more forums,” he added.
Phan also said he is looking forward to receiving Teodoro in Vietnam soon.
“And for your information, Secretary, at the end of the year, we will hold the Defense Expo. And so I hope that we can also receive the participation from Philippines’ businesses,” the Vietnamese defense chief said. (PNA)
